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Walking Ireland’s Mountains

DONEGAL

Route 50: North Donegal - Glenveagh National Park
Map 6 (1:50,000) preliminary edition.
Start at the castle - the terminus of the shuttle bus from the visitor centre (which is at C039232). Walk south-west along Lough Beagh, cross river on footbridge at south-west end of lake and ascend steeply with Astelleen Burn waterfall (not shown on map) on right. From valley behind waterfall, climb to col to south-east of Dooish, then Dooish. Climb point 555 metres, continue south-east to reach Lough Beagh at about C 002193 (take care near lakeshore on steep, slippery ground). Retrace steps to start. Deer culling may restrict access to this area in winter.
Distance: 14 kilometres. Climb: 550 metres. Time: 4.25 hours (including 0.5 hours for steep descent).

The shuttle bus does not run in winter. An alternative walk, then, is to start at the visitor centre, walk to the castle and take above route to Dooish. Take the ridge north-east over Saggartnadooish, point 391 metres to Misty Lough South. Walk spur east to small forest (not shown on map) near visitor centre, keeping to high ground on descent, as far as possible, to avoid wet areas.
Distance: 18 kilometres. Climb: 700 metres. Time: 4.75 hours.

Route 51: Inishowen - Slieve Snaght Map 3 (1 :50,000), Discovery Series.
Start at Drumfree/Drumfries (C 384389). Walk road north-east, taking nearby first track on right. At convenient point after about one kilometre, leave it to climb Slieve Main (slow going through heather), Slieve Snaght, Slieve Snaghtbeg. Take spur north and then west (here heading towards prominent rocky Barnan More ahead) to reach track. Walk it to start.
Distance: 12 kilometres. Climb: 600 metres. Time: 3.5 hours.

Route 52: Inishowen
Maps 2 or 3 (1:50,000), Discovery Series. The latter is better for finding start.
Start near Butler's Bridge on minor road (C 359469). To get there drive south-west from phone kiosk in Clonmany for 0.2 miles; turn right and drive for further 0.7 miles. Follow intermittent path south-west initially on right (true) bank of stream through wooded Butler's Glen (slow going but escape possible on track left); climb Raghtin More and Mamore Hill. Partly retrace steps, climb Slievekeeragh, take its north-east spur, coming left off it to meet track close to start. For a traverse of the entire ridge, a second car may be left at layby at C 294392.
Distance: 11 kilometres. Climb: 750 metres. Time: 3.5 hours.

The next 'Donegal' extract can be found here : Part 5
The previous 'Donegal' extracts from Walking Ireland's Mountains can be found here: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

Information extracted from Walking Ireland’s Mountains: a guide to the ranges and the best walking routes by David Herman, published by Appletree Press.

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